This time of year, our native temperate Jack-in-the-pulpits (sorry- too lazy to look up genus) set forth the spathe with the red berries. Do these berries contain viable seed? If so, how do you harvest them?
Propagating JPs
Yes they contain seed. If your intrested in harvesting the seeds take them and squeeze the berries to get the seed out clean them off and put into a pot of rich soil and place in a cold frame. Most species need to have a cold period to germinate. Next spring you should see some life out of them. Just curious is the triphyllum or dracontium species both are native here in KY as well. I had found at our lake house on one of the islands a few years ago a 4 foot species I believe it may have been triphyllum or maybe a super strain. All the plants had purple stems and were around 3 to 4 feet tall with beautiful flowers. I really need to go back and get better data with flower photos and over all size. It could be a giant strain of Triphyllum or if I am lucky a new species. Good luck.
I have a book that says our Eastern MA Jacks are A. triphyllum, and DG's plantfile say it's A. ringens!!! What zone are you in? I am sure that they vary when they are exposed to different minerals, temperatures, and ph's, they produce differing plants. I know the ones I have in cultivated areas are bigger and more vigorous than those in a pine forest floor.
Next spring I'll have to post a pic and let the Ubers fight it out. Hey, a Jack-In-The-Pulpit by any name is still a great plant. I think it is my favorite flower.